June 13, 2023
For honorable professions, teaching is near the top of the list. Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) is doing their part to ensure the next generation of teachers have opportunities.
GIPS hosted their sixth annual PathBack Reception on Thursday night at the Kneale Administration Building to honor this year’s recipients. The PathBack Program awards students who have graduated from the Academies of Grand Island Senior High Education Pathway and offers them an opportunity to come back and teach at GIPS upon completion of their degree and credentials.
The 2023 GIPS PathBack Award recipients are:
- Clark Boettger
- Perla Ramirez Castillo
Clark Boettger (GISH Class of 2023) has earned several notable scholarships as he prepares for college. Boettger was heavily involved in the Fine Arts all four years GISH. He was in Jazz, Marching, and Concert bands, GISH Speech team, several theatre department productions, among other opportunities. Boettger plans to attend Hastings College and major in Music Education.
“I am forever grateful for the experience I have had here at Grand Island Senior High.” Clark shared, “I feel prepared for college because of the classes and practicum courses I’ve taken. The experiences we have here are completely unique and I’m grateful.”
Perla Ramirez Castillo (GISH Class of 2023) graduated with honors in May. Throughout her time at GISH, Castillo was a four year academic letter winner, three year band letter winner, two year trumpet section leader, and a women’s soccer letter winner. Castillo plans to attend Wayne State to major in Art Education.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.” Perla shared, “I’m so excited to see what the future holds!”
The PathBack program was launched at GIPS six years ago. Each year since, the district has awarded two students heading into the education field. Interested students must be graduates from the Education Pathway and submit an application. A team of district educators along with the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation review the applications and select two recipients.
Additionally, each PathBack student is connected to an education mentor within the district. Mentors are typically a teacher the student had during their time in GIPS. Mentors stay connected with the PathBack-ers throughout their collegiate careers and grant them opportunities to visit classrooms in the district when back on breaks or looking to complete observation hours towards their degrees.
PathBack is just one way GIPS seeks to strengthen the future generation of teachers and support the community.
“Being able to bring high-quality candidates like Clark and Perla back into the GIPS system has the potential for great benefits – both for them and for the district.” Matt Fisher, GIPS Interim Superintendent, said, “Anytime we can bring our top-notch students back to serve future students is a great thing for us, our families, and our community.”
